The contracts have been signed. With Leandro “Tati” Mercado and Johann Flammann, Emil Weber’s official racing team—supported by Kawasaki Germany—will field two riders in the IDM Superbike series for the first time. The team also plans to double its preparation efforts in 2024. The coming weeks will be nothing short of a challenge, especially since the team is still searching for a promising Supersport rider and a new baby is on the way.
Team boss Emil Weber has his hands full. Although he handed over his large motorcycle business in Rümlang to the Hostettler Group on January 1, 2024, the 57-year-old Swiss national is continuing his racing activities as a privateer at a separate location. And he restores old motorcycles. “It’s not a public workshop,” he emphasizes repeatedly.
The decision to continue the team’s IDM activities was already sealed back in September at the Hockenheim finale. Mercado was the team’s top choice for the 2024 season, now under the name Kawasaki Weber Racing. Johann Flammann, the 28-year-old 2023 Pro Superstock runner-up, impressed with two wins in his class on the Kawasaki ZX-10 RR. “His results were solid, and his loyalty to Kawasaki means he truly earned the second spot on the team,” said Weber, adding: “Overall, it’s a good solution that shows you can make a successful transition from the Superstock class to Superbikes.”
The team boss also wanted the motorcycles and engines to continue being prepared by Kurt Stückle in Leutkirch, Germany. That is exactly what is happening. The 2023 motorcycles are being brought up to date. The partnership with Wilbers regarding the suspension will not continue. The ZX-10 RRs will once again be equipped with Öhlins products. “Everything worked out wonderfully with Wilbers, but we don’t know if Benny will be putting together his own team again this year and what that would mean for us,” Weber explains the decision.
The fact is: There are significantly more test sessions than in previous years. Several days of testing are scheduled in Spain. Mercado will arrive in Europe from his native Argentina in early February; as he did last year, he will live in Italy during the summer and travel from there to compete in the IDM races. There’s also great news from Tati’s girlfriend: she’s pregnant and is expecting their first child in March.